TheBigGive, the website that enables wealthy philanthropists to browse for charitable projects, is planning to introduce a user-review system.
The system is likely to be similar to the points rating used by online retailer Amazon. Site users would give marks out of five for projects they have read about. "We will ask visitors to give feedback on projects as they go through the system," said Jon Brooks, managing director of theBigGive.
"This kind of thing is an important development in the web at the moment," he added. "The founder of Wikipedia is trying to challenge Google with a search engine that uses the idea of user-generated content."
The site will also be equipped with a more elaborate search facility that will enable donors to be specific about the types of projects they are interested in. For example, they will be able to say whether they prefer to support start-up charities or household names.
The site also plans quality control measures to clamp down on charities that try to increase exposure for their projects by uploading them in multiple categories, and on poorly presented and low-value projects.
Other additions include tax advice provided by law firm Withers LLP and a tax guide by creative network Arts & Business.
